We have

a new

belief

By DARREN BENTLEY

Exclusive by DARREN BENTLEY and ANDY NEILD

Moore's

belief

IAN MOORE has revealed that battle-hardened Burnley are finally winning their war of nerves.

Clarets striker Moore admits a lack of numbers had Ternent's squad wondering if they could cut the mustard among the First Division big boys.

But after confidence-boosting wins over high-flying Sheffield United and Reading, and an honourable draw at Sunderland, Moore reckons a new-found belief is coursing through the veins.

He said: "I certainly think we have been under-achieving and it's only in the last couple of weeks we've started to realise how good we actually are.

"Maybe that's because of the size of the squad, but now we realise there is not much between the top and bottom in this league and we don't need to fear anyone.

"After this Saturday's game, against Coventry, we'll be half way through

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the season and a win would take us to 31 points, so we shouldn't need to be worrying about the bottom.

"We would even have a chance of the play-offs because the way it's working out, I don't think you would need a huge total to get up there.

"The win over Sheffield United has shown how good we are."

They are considered to be one of the best teams in the league, so when you are beating teams like that you have to gain strength."

Moore was a surprise choice as Clarets captain for the hard-fought win over the Blades last weekend.

The 27-year-old celebrated with a rare headed goal - his second in as many games to take his total for the season to seven.

Moore, who had only ever skippered a side once before in his Stockport days, said: "I considered it an honour, but it was a bit of a shock to be honest.

"I didn't give it a thought until I went into the dressing room before the game and Sam Ellis asked who wanted the armband with David (May) and Graham (Branch) both out.

"I thought 'I've been here as long as most of the lads', so I put my hand up and the rest is history.

"I'm only filling in for the lads who are out of the side, but it was a memorable experience and I would certainly jump at the chance if it was offered to me again. Besides, they can't take it away from me now because I have a winning start!"

He added: "I'm a lot happier when I'm scoring goals and that's two in two now. I'm looking to beat my previous best total of 14."

"I don't see why not because we still have 23 games left after Coventry, so one in three will do it for me."

Clarets close

in on

McEveley